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Psychologists
may play role in research
(April 2006
Issue)
By Phyllis Hanlon
In May 2005, the Connecticut legislature earmarked $100 million
for embryonic stem cell research, the funds to be dispersed in equal
amounts over 10 years. Wesleyan and Yale University, as well as
the University of Connecticut, are currently preparing proposals
outlining research initiatives and hope to secure a portion of the
funding. But how does this news affect psychologists?
Stem cell research depends on a number of controversial and risky
processes including derivation through in vitro fertilization and/or
egg donation, storage, distribution and eventual therapeutic use
of embryonic stem cell lines.
To achieve consistency throughout the investigative process, the
National Academy of Sciences (NAS) issued guidelines last year for
institutions that intend to conduct embryonic stem cell research.
An embryonic stem cell research oversight committee (ESCRO) charged
with developing guidelines for evaluating the ethical aspects of
stem cell research, must be assembled. The committee is also responsible
for performing educational activities for all segments of the population.
According to Anne L. Hiskes, Ph.D., ESCRO chair and director of
Research, Ethics and Education for Stem Cell Research at UConn's
Storrs campus, psychologists will be particularly interested in
the many ethical questions that concern everyone, from scientists
to the general public to those who hope to benefit from the research
findings. "We have to understand and be sensitive to the issues,"
says Hiskes.
Hiskes points out that although this research holds some as yet
unproven promise, she cites the need for caution and views the research
process as a carefully orchestrated ethical exercise. She says,
"You have to balance respect for the embryo against the political
environment."
According to Hiskes, several aspects throughout the process carry
psychological implications and may require professional attention
and intervention. She reports that embryonic donation poses ethical
questions for donors who have harvested an excess number of embryos
or who no longer want or need them. "What kind of counseling/advisement
takes place?" she asks.
Additionally, women who donate eggs must undergo a physically strenuous
as well as an emotionally draining process. "You have to hyperstimulate
the ovaries to get multiple eggs. There are inherent risks," says
Hiskes. Even hormone injections prior to egg donation produce negative
psychological effects, she states. Although women are carefully
screened prior to egg donation, internal anxiety as well as pressure
from family and friends may cause emotional turmoil.
Lori Gruen, Ph.D., associate professor of philosophy, co-chair
of women's studies and chair of the ESCRO Committee at Wesleyan
University, points out that in addition to the above-mentioned issues,
informed consent presents another psychological concern. "The process
of getting the necessary materials to engage in embryonic stem cell
research involves assistive reproductive technology. Getting informed
consent from women at this stage raises interesting psychological
questions," she says. "Psychologists may want to become involved
in the emotional aspects of this."
Gruen adds that expectations for stem cell research run high in
both the scientific and lay communities. "Embryonic stem cell research
is seen as pluripotent and self-regenerating, that is, [the cells]
have the potential to develop into any part of the human body,"
she says. "People with Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injuries,
diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases could benefit."
However, the excitement must be managed. "You have to weigh the
costs, risks and benefits. Psychologists could be useful in helping
think through these complicated issues," Gruen says. "For those
with psychological trauma from spinal cord and neurodegenerative
diseases and other medical issues, psychologists could help patients
decide whether to take risks or not." Gruen says, "It's important
for all thoughtful professionals to think about the implications."
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